Which of the following is NOT a typical service provided by investment banks?

Which of the following is NOT a typical service provided by investment banks?

• A. Advising on mergers and acquisitions
• B. Underwriting new stock issues
• C. Offering retail banking services
• D. Trading in various financial instruments

Answer: (C)

The choice indicating that offering retail banking services is not a typical service provided by investment banks is correct because investment banks primarily focus on providing services that cater to corporations, governments, and other institutions, rather than individual consumers. Investment banks specialize in activities like advising on mergers and acquisitions, underwriting new stock issues, and trading in various financial instruments, which are more aligned with capital markets and institutional finance. Retail banking, on the other hand, encompasses services such as accepting deposits, providing personal loans, mortgages, and other consumer-focused financial products, which fall under the purview of commercial banks. These institutions concentrate on serving individual consumers and small businesses rather than handling large-scale financial transactions and strategic financial advisory services associated with investment banking. This distinction highlights the specialized functions and target markets of investment banks compared to those of retail banking.

The choice indicating that offering retail banking services is not a typical service provided by investment banks is correct because investment banks primarily focus on providing services that cater to corporations, governments, and other institutions, rather than individual consumers. Investment banks specialize in activities like advising on mergers and acquisitions, underwriting new stock issues, and trading in various financial instruments, which are more aligned with capital markets and institutional finance.

Retail banking, on the other hand, encompasses services such as accepting deposits, providing personal loans, mortgages, and other consumer-focused financial products, which fall under the purview of commercial banks. These institutions concentrate on serving individual consumers and small businesses rather than handling large-scale financial transactions and strategic financial advisory services associated with investment banking. This distinction highlights the specialized functions and target markets of investment banks compared to those of retail banking.